With more than 8,500 overdoses reported in Tennessee last year, Hamilton County Coalition and community partners are leading local efforts to end the stigma surrounding overdose, and increase awareness about substance use disorder in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to help reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. This day aims to spread the message that the tragedy of drug overdose is preventable, while acknowledging the grief felt by the families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose.
“Overdoses are continuing to have a major impact on individuals and families in our community,” said Camilla Bibbs, executive director of Hamilton County Coalition. “Our goal during IOAD is to remember the lives that have been lost and to spark action that gives hope and inspiration to those battling substance use disorder.”
In observation of IOAD, a “Lights of Hope Vigil “ will take place on Aug. 31 at The Greenway Farm from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This event will be in memory of those who have lost their life to an overdose, as well as provide awareness and education about overdose prevention. An overdose prevention training will be held on site. Purple T-shirts and a limited number of flashlights will also be provided. In case of severe weather, this event will be canceled.
As an homage to the Red Sand Project that sheds light on victims of human trafficking, Hamilton County Coalition will be distributing purple sand to increase awareness about substance abuse disorder and overdoses in Hamilton County and Southeast Tennessee. Receive a bag of purple sand and take part in this challenge by emailing calandra.smith@hccoalition.org or calling 305-1449 and:
Spread the supplied purple sand outside. This can be spread in the cracks of the sidewalk or by writing a message with the sand.
Once all the sand has been spread, take a picture of the sand, and post the picture on social media platforms.
Use the hashtag #EndOverdose and #IOAD2021 and tag Hamilton County Coalition in your post.
Encourage others to post and repost on their social media accounts.
Hamilton County Coalition’s Overdose Prevention Specialists are hosting virtual training sessions throughout August and September on how to prevent overdoses and save a life using the overdose-reversing medication Naloxone. Participants of the training will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and how to administer Naloxone. Participants will learn how to access Naloxone, and eligible individuals can receive a Naloxone kit after receiving the training. Registration for the training is available through the Hamilton County Coalition’s website www.hccoalition.org. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Substance Abuse Services.
Throughout the day and evening of Aug. 31, Ruby Falls, High Point Climbing and Fitness, Liberty Tower, the Hunter Museum of American Art, and several local churches will light their buildings purple in recognition of IOAD and in support of reducing the stigma associated with overdose and substance use disorder.
The Hamilton County Coalition uses a multidisciplinary approach in empowering communities to reduce the risk of alcohol, tobacco and Rx drug misuse and abuse among youth, young adults and families in Chattanooga and the Southeast Tennessee Region. As the regional hub, Hamilton County Coalition provides free services including environmentally friendly ways of disposing unwanted medications, medication lock boxes, opioid overdose reversal trainings, Naloxone, and aid with opioid treatment, family counseling and recovery services. The Hamilton County Coalition also supplies drug and alcohol prevention presentations to youth, young adults, and families. These projects are funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.